Falling right into the trap

Much like Bastian von Conradie had predicted a day earlier, the sky that followed the thunderstorm was a clear blue. The sun emerged from behind the dissipating clouds, casting its brilliant rays down on the Archduchy. 

Arkin had made the decision to focus today's scouting mission solely on the shallow side of the forest where rebels were never known to be present. The plan was to explore the darker side of the forest the following day with only a select few from the knights of the First Order, and without a difficult Lady who insisted on tagging along. 

It was the Commander of the Second Order, his apprentice, and Leopold von Conradie on the scouting mission today. And Arkin couldn't shake his disdain for Adela's presence.

"...If you have an issue with this, take it up with the Archduke. He was the one who ordered me to stay by your side," Adela retorted.

"I recall that he ordered me to stay by your side," Arkin countered.